The Trail Guide Project

The earth never tires;
The earth is rude, silent, incomprehensible at first—Nature is rude and incomprehensible at first;
Be not discouraged—keep on—there are divine things, well envelop'd;
I swear to you there are divine things more beautiful than words can tell.

Introduction to the Project

Welcome to the Trail Guide Project! Our hope is that these web pages will encourage you to put on your hiking boots and go out and explore the natural wonders of a variety of trails in the vicinity of Bozeman, Montana. Each of the trail guides provides a photo overview of the sites you will see on the trail, and we also provide more background information about the geologic history of the area (fossils, landforms, rock types, structures) with links and references to help you explore these topics in more detail if you have interest. It is our belief that your time on the trail will be more enjoyable if you know a bit more about the natural history of the area. Trail guides are available for these hikes:

Hyalite Lake and Hyalite Peak in the northern Gallatin Range; this trail covers the volcanic rocks of the Eocene (~50 million years old) Absaroka Volcanics, glacial to recent landforms, and a series of spectacular waterfalls; and

About This Project

The Sunday Hiking Club, geology majors from the Dept. of Earth Sciences, Montana State University.

This project was done in a series of hikes by the "Sunday Hiking Club" in the fall of 2009 with geology majors from the Dept. of Earth Sciences, Montana State University: Thomas Beers, Josh Bent, Tyson Berndt, Travis Corthouts, Nathan Danz, Tom Isaacs, Thomas Rendle, and Professor of Geology, David Mogk. Students participated in all the hikes, and subsequently worked in small groups to produce these web pages. Review of these pages was done by Dept. of Earth Sciences faculty Drs. Steve Custer, Jim Schmitt, David Lageson, Bill Locke, and Todd Feeley; special thanks for the reviews and for permission to use images from their personal collections.

This project was also done in cooperation with the Gallatin National Forest. Check out their website for more information about current forest conditions, fire and avalanche danger, maps and brochures, and other educational and recreational resources.

Safe and Responsible Hiking

Taking a break on Hellroaring Trail, Spanish Peaks, looking west across Bear Basin.Photo by David Mogk.

Please remember that these trails will take you to pristine, high Alpine wilderness areas. These environments are very fragile, and potentially hazardous. Get out and enjoy the wonders that these trails reveal, but while you're out there, please remember:

Cell-phones: just because you have a cell phone doesn't mean that you'll be safe or able to get immediate help! Search and rescue is serious business–very dangerous and costly. Don't put others at risk!

Know your limits! Only you can determine if you'll have a safe and fun day in the field.

Responsibility

Don't cut switchbacks; this only increases erosion and doesn't save you time or energy.

Obey all trail closures and restrictions;

Leave no Trace (Center for Outdoor Ethics); plan ahead and prepare (to avoid high impact); camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find for others to enjoy; minimize use of fire, respect wildlife, be considerate of others.

Help maintain the trails! If you come across a trail obstruction take a few minutes and help clear the path for others to follow. Report hazards to the Forest Service. Plan to volunteer to help repair and maintain trails on National Trails Day. If you pass the trail crew or wilderness ranger on the trail, give them a big "Thank you" for making your trip possible.

Spread the word about low impact hiking and camping!

Enjoy your days on the trail, but remember, this is a resource that needs care and protection!